When Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE in Italy, it buried Pompeii and Herculaneum under lava, freezing history in time. Though silent since 1631, it’s still active and bound to erupt again someday.
History’s harsh lessons remind us: volcanic danger is real and ever-present.
While massive eruptions are rare, volcanoes worldwide constantly rumble on smaller scales. Cities built near these fiery giants, including many in the US (which boasts 173 volcanoes), live with the risk of sudden disaster. Scientists have gotten better at forecasting eruptions, but predicting the exact moment remains a gamble.
Volcanoes warn us that nature’s power is both awe-inspiring and unpredictable. So, buckle up and click through the gallery to explore the cities around the world that could be buried in lava at any moment.